Island leaders seek backing for more powers 7/2/14
The Leaders of Orkney Islands Council, Shetland Islands Council and Comhairle nan
Eilean Siar met with Scottish Government officials recently to continue discussions
on the Our Islands Our Future initiative which is seeking greater powers for island
areas.
The leaders also held their first formal talks with Scottish Labour. They met with
Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Planning, Sarah Boyack and Labour
Highlands and Islands MSP David Stewart to discuss progress and seek Labour’s support
for the aims of the campaign.
Angus Campbell, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: “We had a very useful
series of meetings with Scottish government officials and also took the opportunity
to broaden discussions out to the main opposition party in Scotland through Sarah
Boyack and David Stewart who were very interested in the campaign and how it can
benefit communities in the Islands.
“We have always maintained that we will seek to engage with all sides of the referendum
debate and with politicians across Scotland, the UK and in Europe.
“We are continuing our discussions with the Scottish Government ministerial Working
Group and with the Secretary of State for Scotland’s Office with a view to proposals
being brought to the table during the summer.”
The next meeting of the Scottish Government Ministerial Working Group is in ten days
in Shetland.